Daníel Bjarnason​’s oratorio Passion of the Common Man has captivated audiences at Bregenzer Festspiele this August. 

Composed for four soloists, choir, and chamber orchestra, the work explores our need for empathy in a futuristic world. In this world, medicine makes physical and psychological pain disappear, affection is simulated by algorithms, and global crises make us mentally numb. The work confronts the audience with a haunting and powerful reflection on humanity.

Passion of the Common Man is commissioned by Bregenzer Festspiele and premiered there on 31 July 2026. The premiere production featured Emma Kajander (soprano), Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano), Aaron Gofrey-Mayes (tenor), and Jacques Imbrailo (baritone), alongside the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks and Symphonieorchester Vorarlberg.

The libretto is by Royce Vavrek, with sound design and electronics by Ida Schuften Juhl.